Alternator not charging battery?

Tiny
NIGHTHEALERRN
  • MEMBER
  • 1993 PONTIAC SUNBIRD
  • 2.0L
  • 4 CYL
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 89,000 MILES
This car was barely driven. It sat for a while after my sister-in-law (owner) passed away. My husband got it up and running again and gave it to my son for Christmas. It ran all day without problems. The next day it was not working. The battery is new. Alternator checked out fine. Once the battery was recharged, the car started fine. Because alternator checked out good, what else should we check?
Saturday, December 31st, 2022 AT 4:16 PM

3 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,176 POSTS
Hi,

If the alternator and the battery are good, then something is causing a draw on the battery at all times. I have a question. Did the engine ever stall while the engine was running? Also, if it is possible, could you try a test and let me know the results?

Here is a link that explains how to test the alternator output. All that is needed is a voltmeter or multimeter.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-a-car-alternator

Now, if that alternator is working properly and you have confirmed the battery is good, then we must have a constant draw on the battery. Take a look through this link and see if anything helps. If not, let me know so I can explain how to do a more in-depth electrical draw test.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/car-battery-dead-overnight

Let me know what I can do to help, and Happy New Year.

Joe
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Saturday, December 31st, 2022 AT 7:29 PM
Tiny
NIGHTHEALERRN
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
Car is fixed. The fusible link was burned and replaced.
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Monday, January 2nd, 2023 AT 5:41 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,176 POSTS
Hi,

That will do it. LOL Thanks for the update, and I'm glad to hear you got it fixed.

Feel free to come back anytime in the future.

Take care,

Joe
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Tuesday, January 3rd, 2023 AT 7:30 PM

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